Main menu

Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment modality within Chinese Medicine that uses very thin, sterile needles inserted into the surface of the skin at specifically chosen points. Acupuncture needles are far different from hypodermic needles, and are often quite painless. Patients may feel various sensations during an acupuncture treatment, but most people find these sensations to be quite pleasant, and often report feeling a sense of well-being and a relief of symptoms during and continuing after their treatments. Acupuncture elicits structural, biochemical, and energetic changes in the body, promoting health and the healing process.

How does acupuncture feel?

Most patients find acupuncture to be very relaxing and comfortable. However, there are plenty of other treatment modalities in Chinese Medicine besides acupuncture, and there are always other options besides needles. In addition, there are extremely gentle ways of performing acupuncture that even children can tolerate quite well.

Are there other techniques that can be used instead of or in addition to acupuncture?

Absolutely! Acupuncture can be combined with other modalities, or other modalities within Chinese Medicine can be used instead of acupuncture.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years, and can be extremely effective in treating various health conditions. When herbs are combined properly, there are often huge health benefits and relief of not just symptoms but also the underlying cause of the symptoms or illness.

Cupping

In cupping therapy, glass cups are applied to the body, commonly the back, through the use of a vacuum which is created either by heat or a manual pump. These cups are either left in the same spot for a number of minutes or the practitioner may glide the cups across the skin, using lotion or oil, in order to relieve tension, break up stagnation, or promote relaxation in the muscles and connective tissue. This type of cupping can feel like a massage; however, instead of pushing into the muscles, suction is used to release the muscles.

Moxibustion or “Moxa”

Moxa is the burning of the fuzz of the mugwort leaf near the skin or on top of needles in order to permeate the body with heat at specific acupuncture points. Moxa can be used to promote circulation and healing within the body.

Bodywork

Shiatsu is massage that focuses on pressing the acupuncture channels that run through the body. Tuina is a form of Chinese medical massage that can be used to treat chronic and acute musculoskeletal issues. Children often love gentle forms of acupressure (massage focusing on acupuncture points or channels), and Shonishin is another type of pediatric massage technique that children often respond well to.

Children’s Book about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Maya & Friends Visit this Acupuncturist is a book for children explaining Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in a fun, simple, and easy to follow way. Maya and her friends, Bobby Bear and Ellie Elephant, go on an adventure together exploring the methods and magic of Chinese Medicine. When Maya gets sick, they visit Dr. Meow, a feline acupuncturist, who demystifies the experience of going for an acupuncture visit. Along the way, she explains concepts such as Qi and Yin & Yang in a fun and friendly manner. The friends leave the office looking at the world in a new light, and Maya feels much better after her treatment.